USAF Thunderbirds to Headline Wings Over Wayne Air Show This Weekend in Goldsboro, NC

A member of the US Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team executes a knife edge pass as part of the 2015 Wings Over Wayne Airshow and Open House, May 16, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC. The Thunderbirds aim to strengthen morale and support community relations by performing during airshows and other events. Photo: US Air Force/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho

Wings Over Wayne Air Show is set to take place at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina on April 27-28, 2019. The event is free and gates open at 9am both days. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:30am, and flying performances take place between 11am and 4:30pm, weather permitting.

Spectators will experience the finest air power in the world as the US Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies as this year’s main headliner. For the first time in WOW history, the new F-35A Demo Team and C-17 Team will showcase their capabilities. Other favorites in the flying line up are the Army Black Daggers Jump Team, the Air Force Combined Arms Demo, Tora, Tora, Tora, Acemaker T-33, plus many more.

In addition to the aerial performances, Wings Over Wayne offers plenty of family-fun entertainment on the ground with static displays of recent and heritage aircraft, a Jet Truck, and military drill demonstrations. The brand new KC-46A Refueling aircraft will also be an exciting addition to the ground display, as this is set to be operational by the USAF this year. The event also includes a Kids Zone featuring bounce slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Kid Zone tickets are available for purchase the day of the event for $10.

A new addition this year is a Beer Garden, featuring craft and commercial beverages, located on the flight line. Tickets for the Beer Garden can be purchased in advance online or at the event starting at $30/person. The ticket price includes seating, optimal viewing of the show, shaded areas, and exclusive beer stations. Beer purchases are not included in the ticket price. Guests of the Beer Garden must be at least 21 years of age and kids are not allowed in the area.

Said Chuck Allen, Mayor of Goldsboro:

“Wings Over Wayne is one of the world’s best air shows. Seymour Johnson does a phenomenal job attracting the best lineup of airpower and performers, alongside the F-15E Strike Eagle and KC-135 aircraft already stationed at the base.”

“It’s hard to put into words our feelings about this two-day event. It’s a blend of excitement, humbleness, and nostalgia, uniting people from different generations and backgrounds by calling on the common patriotic seams that bond us all. Military communities are known for supporting their bases, but the Wings Over Wayne Air Show and Seymour Johnson AFB breaks the mold and gives back to Goldsboro and the state of North Carolina in ways that can’t be measured.”

In 2017, the Wings Over Wayne Air Show was honored as “Event of the Year,” one of the most prestigious awards given by the North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events. When selecting the winner, the judges announced that the Wings Over Wayne Air Show was “chosen for their community partnership and the survey of the attendees.” The air show surpassed the efforts of past years, setting new records for funding raised, volunteer participation, and the attendance of over 230,000 for the two-day event.

Other tips and helpful points of information include checking out the prohibited items list on the event website at www.wingsoverwayne.com.

Guests of the show are allowed to bring clear reusable water bottles less than 32 ounces, and factory-sealed water to the show. Free potable water stations will be located throughout the public areas of the event. Lawn and tailgating chairs are also permitted.

The air show and parking are free. Food, beverages, and souvenirs are available for purchase. Concessionaires will accept credit cards, but attendees are encouraged to bring some cash as a precaution.

USAF Thunderbirds Downtown Flyover

The USAF Thunderbirds are expected to arrive Thursday, April 25, 2019, at approximately 3pm. Their arrival includes a flyover of Historic Downtown Goldsboro before landing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for the Air Show.

Thunderbird fans are encouraged to gather at 2:30pm in Historic Downtown Goldsboro. Center Street from Chestnut to Mulberry Streets in Goldsboro will be closed for the flyover. Visitors may bring lawn chairs.

Source: Robert B Butler, www.RBButler.com

Ed. Note: Originally published April 23, 2019. Updated April 24 with flyover information.

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